History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 90

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901

USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 90
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 90

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ROBERT GIBBS, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 3, 1823, son of James L. and Catharine (Truman) Gibbs, and came to this township in the year 1849. His educational ad- vantages were limited, but in its stead our subject is possessed of a full share of good common sense. He was married, March 12, 1846, to Eliz- abeth Rooksby, and ten children have been born to them, seven of whom are living-Alexander, born December 16, 1846; Richard, April 14, 1848;

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Mary E. and Helen (twins), May 29, 1852; Rhoda, December 11, 1856; Lucy, February 22; Mortimer, August 18, 1868. Mr. Gibbs is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and has been for thirty years. He has been Supervisor of his district three terms, and is an advocate for good roads. He came here when the country was tolerably wild, and built him a log house, in which he lived until 1861, when he built another, which he sold out afterward and moved to the Blevins farm, where he lived for sixteen years, and then bought where he now lives. Mr. Gibbs has been considerable of a hunter, and can tell some very interesting stories of his adventures. He has seen as many as eighteen deer within sight of his house. He is a Democrat.

CAPT. JAMES HOLDSON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Shelby County, Ky., January 20, 1813, son of James and Lilia (Dou- gan) Holdson. He settled in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, in the year 1817, and has been a farmer ever since. He was married to Naomi Wallace, when he was about twenty-two years old, and to their union the following children were born: Joseph, Nancy, Stephen and Laura. His second wife was Angeline Bedwell, and to this union one child was born-Harriet. His second wife dying, he married Sarah Bur- ton, on the 9th of June, 1873, and to this union two children have been born-Cynthia Ann and James Arthur. He is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and politically a Republican. Mr. Holdson was in the Mexican war, enlisting June 6, 1846, and was at the battle of Buena Vista, and then returned home, after being discharged at New Orleans; he arrived July 4, 1847. In 1862, he enlisted in the Union army, and was commissioned Captain of Company H, Second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, by Gev. Morton, on the 22d day of August, 1862, and was with Sherman through some of his hard fighting; was in the battles of Vicksburg and Hain's Bluff, Jackson, Mission Ridge, and was wounded at Dallas five times, when he was sent to the hospital, and was furloughed; went home, where he staid thirty days, and then met his regiment at Atlanta, Ga., and was at the battle of Jonesboro; then went to Nashville, Tenn., and from there to the coast, fighting hard all the way through, defeating the rebels at Macon, killing and capturing 2,300 men, and losing only seventy of their forces, and from there went to Rolla, and then to Bentonville, where they had a hard fight with John- ston, defeating him; then went to Columbia, S. C., then to North Caroli- na, and thence to Washington, and was mustered out on the 10th day of June, 1865, when they were paid off at Indianapolis, and returned home, receiving an honorable discharge, and feeling satisfied the war was over, returning to his family, where he owns and runs a farm of 265 acres of land.

STRAWTHER M. HOWARD, saddle and harness maker, Pleasant- ville, was born in Sullivan County, Ind., December 22, 1836, son of Ruel and Mary (McConnell) Howard. His parents settled in this county in 1830. He began the trade of saddle and harness maker in 1853, which he followed until 1866, when he went into the grocery business at Carlisle, but returned in a year and resumed his old business, in which he has continued ever since He was married, September 30, 1868, to Mary E. Artterburn, and has five children-Amy L., born October 11, 1869; Frank G., December 1, 1870; Mand O., September 10, 1872; Charles W., September 12, 1872; Daisy O., July 10, 1882. Mr. How- ard is a member of the Baptist Church, an I. O. O. F., Subordinate

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Lodge and Encampment. Keeps the hotel at Pleasantville, and votes the Democratic ticket.

JOSEPH T. HOWARD, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, Ind., May 11, 1840, son of Cornelius and Naomi (Mayfield) Howard. He received what schooling was attain- able in the township schools, and commenced life as a farmer, continuing at the same. March 28, 1867, he was married to Hester A. Osburn, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth M. Osburn, and four children came to bless the happy union- Cornelius W., born June 25, 1868; Nathan M., Angust 2, 1870; Clara E., December 5, 1872 (deceased); and Alvin C., September 8, 1874 (deceased). Mr. Howard is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been for seventeen years; is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate Lodge and Encampment. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Eightieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was sent to Cincinnati, thence to Kentucky; and then back to Cincinnati, and from thence to Jeffersonville, Ind., and from there across to Louisville and inte camp. From there he went to Perryville, and was in that bat. tle, the 8th of October, where he was wounded in the wrist, sent to the hospital, remained there until January 18, 1863, when he was dis- charged for disability.

JOHN HUME, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Ripley County, Ind., on the 8th day of December, 1825. the son of Lewis and Mary (Roberts) Hume. He settled in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, in April, 1861. May 16, 1850, he was married to Frances By- land, and to this union eleven children have been born-Weeden, Rosan M., Isabelle, Lewis C., Mary, Nancy G., Elijah, Joseph, Clarissa, Will- iam T. and Florence. He was elected Township Trustee in April, 1866, and held the said office five years and six months. When he was elected there was only one brick house in the township, and when he went out of office every district had a good schoolhouse except No. 3, having ten dis- tricts instead of nine, when he took the office. He was also elected Jus- tice of the Peace in April, 1863, and served two years and over, when he resigned. He was somewhat interested in the education of the people. Many of them could not write their own names, which made him a great deal of extra work, and he says now the progress is remarkable, there being but few who cannot read in the township. He received only a limited education himself, going only to district schools in Rush County. Casting his first vote for free school system he gained it. When Mr. Hume moved here there was not much improvement in the way of build- inga, and getting their first grist mill by subscription. He has built him a good house, and by industry has accumulated about 175 acres of land, well improved with a good barn, 40x60, and farm in good repair. He in- troduced the first tile ditch in the township that he knows of. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have been for twelve or thirteen years. He is a National in politics.

JOHN T. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born July 7, 1810, son of John and Susanna (Thomas) Jackson. He came to this township in the fall of 1839. January 10, 1832, he married Mary L. Pirtle, and to them were born seven children, six of whom are living-John H., William A., James W., Jefferson G., Harriet K. and Mary E. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal . Church, and has been since 1842. He cast his first vote for Gen. Jack- son and still votes the Democratic ticket. Farming has been his occupa-

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tion throughout life, having followed the plow since he was sev en years old. When Mr. Jackson came to this country, it was very wild and full of game. He has caught many a turkey by running them down on horseback. When he arrived here he had $60, $50 of which he put in forty acres of land, and with the other ten bought provisions. By trading an old wagon and horse he added a cow and some corn to his stock and store, and by subsequent industry and frugality he has attained quite a competency, owning 160 acres of good land, and living comfort- ably and happily. His wife and four daughters are members of the church.

ROBERT MoCLUNG, farmer, P. O. Pleaseanville, was born in Rock- ingham County, Va., February 20, 1810, son of Robert and Nancy (Tut- wiler) McClung. He came to this county in 1838, but was very dissatisfied at first, and went to hunting for a livelihood, which he followed for fif- teen years, when he commenced farming and bricklaying. January 28, 1836, he married Amy O'Haver, of Logan County, Ohio, and to them were born eleven children, nine of whom are living -Nancy C., Susan E., Thomas N., Maggie L., Martha A., Joseph O., James W., David E. and Samuel Y. Those dead are Robert J. and Henry T., the latter being killed near Knoxville, Tenn., whilst on duty as a soldier in the late war. His sons, Robert and Thomas, took an active' part in the suppression of the rebellion. Subject has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-six years. He received a very limited education. When Mr. McClung settled here, the country had few facilities for comfort, and there being no mill here, they had to go miles away to get their grain ground. Mrs. McClung made all her own clothing, from the wool and Max to the finished garment, and for the balance of the family besides. They have passed through many trials, and are now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. Good health has always attended them, as they never have paid a doctor's bill.

JAMES McDOWELL, physician, Pleasantville, was born in Wash- ington County, Penn., June 19, 1820, son of James and Catharine (Mc- Castly) McDowell. He went to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1842, settling at Moore's Salt Work on Big Yellow Creek, where he remained practicing medicine for ten or twelve years. When he went to Jefferson County, he had but 75 cents in his pocket and. some little in debt, but in a few years was out of debt, and with $500 in hand and a good practice. He left Moore's works, however, and went to Columbiana County, and re- mained there seven years, after which he again took up his abode at Moore's works, where he remained seven or eight years, when he left that point, and settled, in April, 1865, in Sullivan County, this township, where he has remained ever since, enjoying a lucrative practice. He purchased the Johnny Reid farm, and after a year entered into partnership with Dr. Fleming, remaining in partnership fourteen years. The Doctor studied medicine in Washington County, Penn., with Dr. John Martin. He has raised three sons and two daughters, all living with the exception of one daughter. His sons are all physicians, one at Pleasantville, part- ner of Dr. Fleming; one in Freelandville, and one in Knox County. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Blue Lodge and Chapter, and an I O. O. F. Is Democratic in politics.

CASPER H. MILBURN, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Prussia April 12, 1825, son of Christopher and Frederica Milburn, and settled in this county in 1852. He received a very limited education, and

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has been a farmer most of his life. He was married, February 17, 1864, to Mary L. Mathes, and to them seven children have been born, of whom there are living Sarah E., Morris C., Rosa M., Fleming N. and H. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Republican He was a soldier in Prussia in the war of 1848, being a Lieutenant under King William. He has a pipe with his picture on in full uniform, and he also received a gold medal for bravery in the service of his king, he never having been punished, and always being loyal to his country and sovereign. He has a certificate of discharge, showing the estimation in which he was held by his superior officers, signed by the Major com- manding the battalion to which he belonged. Mrs. Milburn was born November 12, 1832. She is a member of the church and highly respected. FRANCIS A. NEWKIRK, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born January 18, 1828, in Jefferson Township, being one of six sons born to Eli and Sally (Ring) Newkirk, and has lived here all his life, engaged in farming, but working occasionally at the carpenter's trade. March 13, 1854, he married Sarah J. Moody, and nine children have been born to them, those living being: Maranda E., born August 24, 1855; Attocy E., born June 1, 1857; David R., December 12, 1858; Cornelius H., October 12, 1860; Matilda A., September 9, 1867; Emma M., March 18, 1871. Those dead are-Nathaniel W., born August 4, 1862; Martha E., March 28, 1866; Nancy C. He is and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty- five years; is also a strong advocate for tem- perance. He rented for a long time, but finally, by industry and perse- verance, obtained a farm of his own, having added from time to time to his original purchase. Subject received but a limited education, but makes up for that in a full share of good, practical common sense, which is often more useful than " book larnin'." He used to be a great rail- splitter, and some of his feats in thet line are said to be wonderful. He is an old-style Democrat, having cast his first vote for Buchanan, and thinks the Democracy a good party to hold to for the benefit of the country. WILLIAM P. O'HAVER was born near Pleasantville, in Stafford Township, Greene Co., Ind., May 19, 1836, and is a son of Pleasant M., a grandson of Joseph, and a great-grandson of Dr. Joseph O'Haver, the latter. being a native of Ireland, but in the sixteenth century, during the religious persecutions of that time, left his native country in company with a brother, and going to Germany, studied medicine and surgery for fourteen years. Dr. O'Haver became a noted physician, and his skill in the cure of a cancer was widely known. Both he and brother came to the United States previous to the Revolutionary war, and during that san- guinary struggle for liberty, both were found fighting for the cause of independence. Joseph, the grandfather of W. P. O'Haver, married Sarah Swagerty, who was directly descended from a sister of Frederick the Great. It appears that a misunderstanding in the family of Frederick William 1, King of Prussia, alienated his wife, his son and a daughter, the daughter being deprived of her estates and titles. This daughter, whose name was Sweigert, had a son, who was abont to be conscripted into the army when he fled to America, became acquainted with the daughter of a Swiss physician, married her, and their daughter, Sarah Sweigert (or Swagerty), was the grandmother of our subject, she marrying Joseph O'Haver, the name being originally Heifer, the O' being added through its Irish connection. They lived for years in Eastern Tennessee, but owing to their extreme dislike to slavery, they removed to Indiana with

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their family in 1819, and settled in Sullivan County. P.leasant M. O'Haver was but a lad when he came with his parents to Sullivan County, and the greater part of his life was passed in Greene and Sullivan Counties. He was three times married, his first wife being Mrs. Jane (Forsythe) Mar- tin, by whom he became the father of four children, two of whom are yet living. His second wife was Miss Cynthia A. Hinkle, and to their union nine children were born, all of whom continue to live. Pleasant M. O'Haver was one of the progessive men of his day, serving as Justice of the Peace for many years, and also in other positions of local honor and trust. He died October 30, 1881. William P. O'Haver is a son of his father's tirst marriage. He was reared on a farm, in youth attending the district schools and assisting in such duties as were common at that day. Wishing to secure a better education than the schools of the neighborhood afforded, he worked in the woods getting out blocks for shingles, and taught one term of subscription school, and with the proceeds thus de- rived started for college at Asbury University in 1854, traveling the entire distance to Greencastle on foot. He remained as an irregular student at that institution until 1859, completing the sophomore year, paying his way by teaching school. December 29, 1859, his union with Miss Dolly Halstead was solemnized, after which he settled in the vicinity of where he now resides, and improved a farm. In 1865, in company with Jackson Hinkle, he opened a store on the present site of Pleasantville, and the spring following laid out the town which he named in honor of his father. Having experienced Christianity when fifteen years old, he was licensed a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1863, and for four years confined his attention almost exclusively to ministerial labors, during which time he took 500 persons into the church. Since 1870, he has been constantly engaged in merchandising in Pleasantville, and is now doing . a large business. He has aided in every way the advancement of all laudable enterprises, and especially in the educational and religious matters of the community. For forty terms he has taught school in this and neighboring counties, and for the past twenty-five years he has been Sabbath School Superintendent at Pleasantville the most of the time. He is the town's present Postmaster, is a Notary Public, and, besides his town property, owns 330 acres of land in the country. Until the break. ing-out of the late war, he was a Democrat in politics, but since that time influence and support has been cast with the Republican party. He and wife are members of long standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their union has been blessed with four children, only one now living. The deceased are Willie G., Donna J., and one unnamed. The young- est born of the family, and the only one living, is Mary Pleasant, born December 8, 1871. The mother was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on Christmas Day, 1836.

WILLIAM PATTON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, Jefferson Town- ship, was born in Morgan County, Tenn., April 6, 1837, son of William and Mary (Robinson) Patton. He came to this township in 1865. May 27, 1860, he was married to Elizabeth Ann Wallace, and to them were born eight children, all being dead but two, whose names and date of birth are Mary J., born July 27, 1861, and Lena A., born December 15, 1878. October 4, 1861, subject enlisted in the Union service, joining the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, Company E, Capt. John A. P. Glo.e, and was wounded in a skirmish with Forrest's cavalry ; was sent to Mur- freesboro to the hospital ; then to Nashville, and then to Louisville.

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On the 6th day of January, 1863, he was honorably discharged. He then went to Clark County, and from thence to this county in 1865, where he has remained since, living comfortable and happy in the con- sciousness of having served his country in its hour of need. He is a Ropublican.

JOHN SHAKE, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, Jefferson Township, was born in Oldham County, Ky., January 8, 1814, son of Jacob and Nancy (Donelson) Shake, and settled in this county in 1856, his occupa- tion being a farmer. He was married, October 25, 1836, to Frances J. Steele, and ten children have been born to them --- Malissa, born April 25, 1838 (deceased) ; Martha Ann, March 31, 1840 ; Jacob W., March 24, 1843 ; Elizabeth, June 16, 1845 (deceased) ; Zerilda J., September 10. 1848 ; Mary A., June 4, 1850 ; James A., October 19, 1853 ; George W., April 17, 1855 ; Nancy E., September 20, 1859 ; Lewis C., April 20, 1862. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and have been members of the same since 1838. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. He first lived in a small hewed log house, but in 1872 built a better house, in which he now lives, with three of bis boys and one girl at home, the rest of his children being married. Mr. Shake has passed through some heavy visitations, being burned out at one time and losing all, yet he never despaired, but went to work again with a will, till he is now, in his old age, surrounded by comforts that will make his declining years pleasant and peaceful.

DANIEL W. SISSON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, in the year 1851, May 26, son of Benjamin and Maranda (Davidson) Sisson. He worked for his father on the farm until he was twenty- five years old, and went to school, principally to the district schools, spending one term at Sullivan Normal School; he has taught school in this township and also at Stafford, Greene County. He is no politician, but votes the Democrat ticket from principle. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Camp, having passed the chairs in both branches. and has represented the Subordinate Lodge in the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis, in the year 1882. On the 21st of March, 1877, his nuptials with Lizzie A. Mattox were celebrated, and to this union three children have been born-Jesse, Willy and Della He was in the drug and grocery business in the year 1879, and remained in business fifteen months, when he sold his drugs to Dr. N. H. Brown, and his groceries to W. P. and O. J. O'Haver, and then moved back to the farm. Mrs. Sisson has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since she was eighteen years old.

TURMAN TOWNSHIP.

SAMUEL H. ALKIRE is the first son of six children born to George and Mary (Magill) Alkire, natives respectively of Indiana and Ken- tucky. The father was born September 5, 1817, and the mother Decem- ber 7, 1823; the first died November 19, 1880, but the last still lives. The father was buried with Masonic rites in the Alkire Cemetery. Sam- nel H. was born February 12. 1846, and remained with his parents until the age of twenty.six, receiving a meager education, though sufficient

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for business. August 25, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha J., daughter of James and Catharine (McKee) Goodwin. This lady was born April 15, 1848, and has presented her husband with two children-James M., born September 19, 1871, and George W., born March 8, 1876. The latter died September 20, 1879. Mr. Alkire owns eighty acres of excellent land, all well improved. He is a Democrat and a prominent citizen. His father's family are Samuel H., Jane R., John T., William M., Martha and Edward P. His father-in-law's family are George, Sarah E., Thomas, Rachel E., Mary, Martha J., Amos, Alice M., John L. and James C. Martha J. was born in Coshocton County, Ohio. Her father lies buried in the Sullivan Cemetery. Mr. Alkire and family are highly respectable people.

FELIX P. BEARD was born in Sullivan County March 2, 1835, son of William and Mary (Dunbar) Beard. The father was born in Nelson County, Ky., March 2, 1804, and moved to Sullivan County in 1826. He was a prominent man, serving as County Commissioner six years and holding various township offices with fidelity. He and wife were faithful members of the Christian Church. They had the following family: John T., James A., Stephen P., Charles C., Nancy J. (deceased), Ann E., Mary E. (deceased), Sarah C., Amanda M., Asenath J. and our subject. The mother was born in 1806, and died in 1871. Both father and mother lie buried in the Alkire Cemetery. Felix P., at the age of twenty- one, left his father to begin life for himself. December 25, 1855, he married Melissa J., daughter of Eli and Miriam (Bundy) Dix, and to this marriage was born one child-Mary Isabell, born May 28, 1857. The family live on a fine farm of 210 acres, and are prosperous and happy. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat, and a successful farmer. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. (Dix) Beard are Joshua E., Caleb E. (deceased), Solomon J., E. Elwood (deceased), Eli W. L., Martha A., Miriam E., Mary M. and Sarah M. Mary I. Beard, daughter of our subject, married G. W. Osborn, Novem- ber 11, 1875. She has three children, a son born September 15, 1876, (deceased); Jennie G. born July 2, 1879, and Grace J. born August 2, 1882. William Beard, father of our subject, died in 1865.

JOHN T. BEARD, the first son born to William and Mary (Dunbar) Beard, is a native of this county, his birth occurring May 19, 1827. He lived on their farm until of age, securing a fair education, and soon after- ward went to Illinois, where he remained about four years and then returned to this county. January 6, 1861, he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Morgan) Nesbit, who has borne him four children-Barton W., born August 9, 1863; Olive A., born Novem- ber 27, 1867; William T., born September 26, 1871, and Bertie H., born September 8, 1873. Much more regarding Mr. Beard's relatives will be found in the biographical sketch of his brother. He has a good farm and a comfortable home, is a Democrat and he and wife are mem- bers of the Christian Church. His wife's brothers and sisters are as fol- lows: William O., Lucretia A., Reese M., Sarah J., Eliza A., Armina M., Thomas T. and Campbell O., all of whom lived to be men and women.

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History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 90

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Number of Pages: 901

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901